The tragic terrorist attack at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando reminded Floridians and people around the world that terrorism can happen anywhere. That is why, this week, I announced a new partnership with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to educate students on the If You See Something, Say Something™ campaign.

We all can play a role in keeping our communities safe and I am proud to partner with FDLE to educate students across Florida about how to recognize and report suspicious activity.

Starting this week, my victim advocates will use materials and information from FDLE’s If you See Something, Say Something ™ Tool Kit in awareness presentations to middle school and high school students across the state. Students will take part in video challenges provided by the Department of Homeland Security to teach them how to be aware of their surroundings and spot suspicious activity. I encourage all Floridians to watch these video challenges here and learn how you can help protect your community.

I urge all Floridians to please report suspicious activity to local authorities or call 1-855-FLA-SAFE. We must all work together to stop terrorists before they have an opportunity to take the lives of innocent people.

Attorney General Pam Bondi announced progress in the state’s efforts to eliminate the backlog of unprocessed sexual assault kits. According to the Sexual Assault Kit Progress Reportreleased by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, more than 1,800 previously unprocessed kits have been tested since Attorney General Bondi launched joint efforts to eliminate Florida’s backlog.

“As a career prosecutor and Florida’s Attorney General, I understand how vital DNA evidence is to solving violent crimes and so far, efforts to eliminate the backlog of unprocessed sexual assault kits have produced more than 400 CODIS matches,” said Attorney General Bondi. “I applaud the Florida Legislature for providing the necessary resources to help test these kits and FDLE for its efforts to eliminate the backlog, as these kits continue to be submitted by local law enforcement agencies.” More.

Ten Assisted Living Facility Owners Charged in Heath Care Fraud and Kickback Scheme
Attorney General Pam Bondi, with United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida Wifredo A. Ferrer, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Miami Field Office, announced that 10 assisted living facility owners are charged for allegedly receiving kickbacks and participating in a health care fraud scheme.

“This extensive investigation uncovered a massive kickback scheme targeting our seniors, but working together with our great federal partners, this health care fraud scheme has been thwarted and 10 suspects are now in police custody,” said Attorney General Bondi. More.

Two More Arrested in Human Trafficking Ring

Attorney General Pam Bondi’s Office of Statewide Prosecution announced two more arrests in connection to an ongoing investigation and prosecution of a human trafficking network operating from South to Central Florida. Joaquin Perez-Urbano, 41, and Paula Rojas-Zarate, 33, both from Fort Myers, face charges for conspiracy to commit human trafficking and human trafficking. The human trafficking ring operated in Collier, Lee, Hendry, Miami-Dade and Polk Counties.

“This organization targeted vulnerable women desperate to find a better life and reunite with loved ones, forcing victims to perform hundreds of sex acts a week,” said Attorney General Bondi. “We will not tolerate human trafficking in Florida, and my Office of Statewide Prosecution continues to work tirelessly to prosecute traffickers and protect the victims of this atrocious crime.” More.

Miami Resident Arrested in Medicaid and Money Laundering Scheme

Attorney General Pam Bondi, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Miami-Dade Police Department announced the arrest of a Miami resident in connection to a drug diversion scheme fueled by Medicaid fraud. According to the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit’s investigation, Darrell Hunter, 44, used the corporate account of his company, DLH Professional Services, to launder money derived from black market sales of contraband prescription drugs.

“Drug diversion schemes like this one endanger the reliable distribution of prescription drugs not just in Florida but across the country,” said Attorney General Bondi. “Thanks to the collaborative efforts of my office and our state and local partners, this scheme exploiting our Medicaid program is shut down and those involved will be held accountable.” More.

Attorney General Bondi Announces Multimillion Dollar Settlement with Car Companies
Attorney General Pam Bondi announced a $41.2 million multistate settlement with automakers Hyundai and Kia to resolve claims that the companies misrepresented the mileage and fuel economy ratings for some of their model year 2011, 2012 and 2013 vehicles. As part of the settlement, Florida will receive more than $2.4 million. The Hyundai Motor Company, Hyundai Motor America, Kia Motors Corporation, Inc., and Kia Motors America, Inc. settled with 33 states and the District of Columbia. The multimillion dollar settlement concludes a multistate investigation into the companies' business practices relating to fuel economy estimate adjustments that occurred at a time when gasoline prices in the United States were especially high.

“Consumers expect that the information they receive when buying a car is accurate and reliable,” said Attorney General Bondi. “Thanks to the joint efforts of my office and 33 other attorneys general, consumers are now better protected.” More.

On Tuesday, Attorney General Pam Bondi joined Governor Rick Scott and fellow Cabinet members, Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater and Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, for a meeting of the Florida Cabinet in Tallahassee.

Attorney General Bondi joining Governor Scott and fellow cabinet members presenting a resolution honoring Florida’s 2016 Teachers of the Year. Attorney General Bondi thanks teachers across the state for their dedication to helping Florida students succeed.

Attorney General Bondi introducing Marvin, a hound mix, at the Florida Cabinet meeting. For more information on Marvin and other rescue animals in the Tallahassee area, visit TalGov.com/Animals.